Birth of a Doula

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Birth of a Doula

A brand new mother sat at home in her living room with her baby boy a couple of days after giving birth. She had done so much preparation leading up to her birth - she and her husband attended a childbirth class that focused on having the partner as coach to the laboring mother. Even so, she had hired a birth doula to support them both through the process. As part of her childbirth class she attended a breastfeeding support group to learn about feeding her baby once he arrived. She had her music picked out for her birth, lined up her photographer, and packed all the special items she wanted to bring with her to the birth center. 

Things didn’t go as planned. …

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Eight Things To Do Before Baby Arrives

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Eight Things To Do Before Baby Arrives

Q. I hear talk about “nesting” before the baby arrives. I’ll be working right up to the last minute. Is there anything I should do in the last weeks before my baby is born?

A. Yes. Hire a cleaning company. Get your house scrubbed clean from top to bottom. Let’s face it, scrubbing bathtubs, toilets and kitchen floors could be treacherous for a pregnant body with a wonky center of gravity. Let someone else do it instead. Then, consider having them come at least monthly after the baby is born. If that’s not in your budget, ask for it as a gift. I’d rather buy baby clothes from consignment shops and have my house cleaned, if I had to choose. And, you might find housecleaning deals through some of the online coupon sites though I prefer a word of mouth recommendation from someone you know and trust. 

I just learned of a great idea from one of my clients...

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Parents of triplets share how they survived the early months with 3 babies

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A new baby is a big change. Imagine 3 new babies, all at the same time. This family learned quickly to accept and ask for help. We were honored to be a part of their support team.

It takes a village! Let us be part of yours.

"Birthing" a new website delivers newborn care and baby sleep tips

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"Birthing" a new website delivers newborn care and baby sleep tips

I’ve got exciting news to share! After 14 years in business, First Daze & Nightzzz is launching a new, professionally-designed website. It feels a little like birthing a baby. (I can relate almost anything back to birth.) I'm grateful to my web design team. Just like with birth, having a skilledteam can make a huge difference to the process and outcome.

The new site is more streamlined, aesthetically pleasing and brands our “flamingo parenting” philosophy. (Learn more about that on the About Us page.) The blog - packed with great tips and information on caring for (including sleep tips), feeding, and play for your babies and children is incorporated into the new site. You can sign up to receive blog updates directly to your inbox.

Also on the site are instructional swaddling videos for those who love good visual guidance, and a podcast on how to help our children sleep better. I’ll be getting more videos up in the near future.

One of the things my viewers enjoy most about my website — besides the relief that comes with learning skilled postpartum doula and sleep coaching help is available — is reading our Dream Team bios in the About Us section. The new website features beautiful, updated photos and bios along with a new group shot of our “dream team.” Come take a peek.

We’re also featuring some beautiful photos of our very own clients. What a joy to know that we’ve built such wonderful relationships with our families over the years that they would share themselves on our website. My heart is singing. ...

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What is a postpartum doula? (and how can she help you)

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What is a postpartum doula? (and how can she help you)

Though birth doulas and midwives are becoming a standard fixture in the delivery room, a lot of you pregnant and new parents are still curious about postpartum doulas and their role in the new baby season. Read on to learn what a postpartum doula is all about.

Let’s Start at Ground Zero, Here. Explain Postpartum Doula.

A “woman who serves,” a “mother to the mother,” a “baby-whisperer.” In the simplest terms, a postpartum doula is a professionally-trained woman who is hired to come into the home and support moms and dads in the first days, weeks, and sometimes months, immediately following delivery or adoption. The word “doula” comes from the Greek and means “a woman who serves.” But more than a servant, the postpartum doula is a nurturer, because babies aren’t the only ones who need help adjusting to this new world. The work they do is as varied as the families they serve.

What Exactly Does a Postpartum Doula Do? ...

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